Independent · evidence-based · non-judgmentalDraft · pending medical review
Not yet medically reviewed — information on this site is in preparation and has not been verified by a medical reviewer.
Drug index / Psychedelic / 2C-B
Psychedelic

2C-B

2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine

Detailed, medically-reviewed information for 2C-B is being prepared.

Overview

2C-B is a synthetic compound in the 2C family of phenethylamines, first described by chemist Alexander Shulgin. It is a single, defined chemical — which is what distinguishes it from "pink cocaine," a mixture that merely borrows its name. It is classified as a hallucinogen.

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration drug fact sheets, dea.gov drug fact sheet (2C-B / phenethylamines); PubChem, U.S. National Library of Medicine CID 98527.

Chemistry & mechanism of action

As a phenethylamine hallucinogen, 2C-B is understood to act on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor that is central to the effects of classic psychedelics. Its molecular formula is C10H14BrNO2.

Source: PubChem, U.S. National Library of Medicine CID 98527; U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nida.nih.gov hallucinogens overview.

Effects

2C-B is described in public health sources as a hallucinogen with both stimulant-like and psychedelic effects that are strongly dose-dependent. Adverse effects can include nausea, anxiety or confusion, and raised heart rate and blood pressure. As with other hallucinogens, the experience is heavily shaped by dose, individual, and setting.

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration drug fact sheets, dea.gov; U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nida.nih.gov hallucinogens.

Risks & harms

Reported harms include acute anxiety or panic, nausea, and cardiovascular strain, with added danger from interactions with stimulants and serotonergic drugs. Because illicit 2C-B has no quality control, what is sold as 2C-B may be mis-sold or adulterated. Classic hallucinogens are generally considered to have low physical-dependence potential, but that does not make acute reactions safe.

Source: U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nida.nih.gov hallucinogens; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration drug fact sheets, dea.gov.

Subjective effects

dose-dependent serotonergic; low dose relaxed/heightened senses/euphoria; medium stimulant + full intoxication; high LSD-like hallucinations + morbid delusions

Onset

20–30 min

Peak

1.5–2 hr

Duration

up to 8 hr

Harmful effects

high-dose hallucinations/morbid delusions; persistent psychosis after single tablet; sold misrepresented as MDMA/LSD

Medicinal use

none in US; historical pre-1995 Shulgin psychotherapy use

History

synthesized 1974 by Alexander Shulgin from 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde; pub. w/ Carter 1975; PiHKAL "warm hug"; sold as Nexus/Erox pre-scheduling; first DEA lab ID 1986

Prevalence

NFLIS >1,500 reports since 1998; peak 201 (2019), 76 (2024)

Images

Visual references coming soon.

If it’s too intense

If an experience becomes overwhelming, the goal is to stay safe and let it pass — most difficult experiences ease as the drug wears off.

  • Get to a calm, safe space with someone you trust who is sober and can stay with you.
  • Cool down if you’re overheating — move somewhere cool, remove extra layers, rest. Overheating is especially a risk with stimulants and MDMA.
  • Sip water to thirst — but don’t over-hydrate. Drinking large amounts of plain water (especially after MDMA) can dangerously dilute your blood sodium (hyponatremia). Electrolytes help more than volume.
  • Slow your breathing — long, slow exhales help settle a racing heart and anxiety.
  • A sugary drink, fruit juice, or a snack can ease shakiness and the anxiety that comes with low blood sugar.
  • Do not take more, and do not add another substance to manage it. Redosing or adding something else (including a sedative like a benzodiazepine) can make things worse, not better.

With psychedelics, fear and confusion are usually temporary. Change your surroundings — calmer light, quiet music, a trusted person — and remind yourself it will lift as the drug wears off.

Call 911 (or Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222) right away for chest pain, a very high body temperature, a seizure, unconsciousness, or severe confusion. These are medical emergencies, not something to wait out.

Source: general harm-reduction guidance from SAMHSA, NIH/NIDA, and MedlinePlus, in our own words. Draft — not yet medically reviewed.

Forensic dossier

Draft · every field is source-cited or marked “Unknown — pending review”

Identity

IUPAC name
2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanaminePubChem PUG-REST · retrieved 2026-06-18
SMILES
COC1=CC(=C(C=C1CCN)OC)BrPubChem PUG-REST · retrieved 2026-06-18
InChIKey
YMHOBZXQZVXHBM-UHFFFAOYSA-NPubChem PUG-REST · retrieved 2026-06-18
Synonyms / aliases
nexus, bromo, Nexus, BDMPEA, 2-CB, Nexus (pharmaceutical), DEA No. 7392, .ALPHA.-DESMETHYL DOB, YMHOBZXQZVXHBM-UHFFFAOYSA-N, MFTPubChem PUG-REST + seed aliases · retrieved 2026-06-18

Composition

Composition
N/A — single compound (see Identity)

Physical / pill characteristics

Dosage form
Unknown — pending review (no Rx/OTC label; illicit — pill visuals = FIRST-PARTY submissions only, never generated or scraped)
Route
Unknown — pending review
Shape
Unknown — pending review
Color
Unknown — pending review
Imprint
Unknown — pending review
Score
Unknown — pending review

Scheduling & legal status

International
See EMCDDA/EUDA + WHO — synthesize per jurisdictionEMCDDA / EUDA · retrieved 2026-06-18

Effects

Effects
See synthesized prose in dossiers/2c-b.md (our words, cited)NIDA + MedlinePlus · retrieved 2026-06-18

Risks

Risks
See synthesized prose in dossiers/2c-b.md (our words, cited)NIDA + MedlinePlus · retrieved 2026-06-18

Interactions

Interactions
Unknown — pending review

Dosage

Pending medical reviewer

Sources

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